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A bit about food, wonderful North Devon food
Food Shops
Food shops are inspiring places, and Barnstaple's in particular are a joy to behold. So swap supermarket aisles for friendly, helpful eateries during your stay at Hartpiece, or even, let your fingers do the walking and arrange for delivery to your door. A few of the places we love are:
- Higher Hacknell Farm - slow-cooked prepared meals along with as a full range of local organic meats delivered to your door by prearrangement. And they can take credit card payment over the net. www.higherhacknell.co.uk
- Cottage Kitchens - If it's in-house catering you're looking for, Elizabeth Hart at Cottage Kitchens has built a fine reputation in the area. Email cottagekitchens@yahoo.co.uk and phone 01598763572, There are sample menus on the website www.cottage-kitchens.com
- Take-aways don't usually get great reviews, but Masala Indian Take Away a mile away from Hartpiece at 11 Pilton Street EX31 1PE is the exception. Open daily 5-11pm (11:30 Fri/Sat), we ring them on 01271 324 040 on the way, stopping to collect a piping hot Jalfrezi on the way home. (Alternatively, stop in and order, then go next door to micro-brewery The Reform Inn, for a pint of North Devon's lightest, most delicious ale.)
Restaurants
With so much seasonal produce close to hand, it's no surprise that the level of restaurant catering is high. Among the notables are James Duckett of the Custom House on the Strand (3 mi away in central Barnstaple), and Nigel Powell at the Muddiford Inn, two miles from Hartpiece.
- The Custom House on The Strand "Fine food prepared with passion and flair using fresh local produce" on 01271 370123 | eat@jamesduckett.co.uk | The Strand, Barnstaple, EX31 1EU
- Muddiford Inn – 2 miles from Hartpiece, "the very best of local supplies and an imaginative a la Carte menu which prides itself on the generosity of portions. Specials that change daily, Bar and Children's Menu. Home made bread, ice creams. Special dietary requirements. The Bar has all you would expect from a Country 16c Inn, roaring log fire, comfortable sofas, Real Ales and an extensive wine list. Catering for Weddings, Functions and Anniversaries. Seven days a week, 12-3 and 6pm - close. It is advisable to telephone for evening reservations. Parking - Disabled Access - Al Fresco Dining - Vegetarian. Muddiford Inn & Restaurant
Muddiford, Near Barnstaple, North Devon,EX31 4EY,Tel: 01271850243 Email : enquiries@muddifordinn.co.uk
- The Saunton Sands is a favourite place for light meals after a walk on the beach is the Saunton Sands nr Braunton. It is one of the local Brend group. Other hotels within the group are the perfect place to take the kids on a rainy day for a swim and lunch, or for a stately cream tea.
- Indian: Two local Indian restaurants, The Ganges, has had a face lift and has re-opening in the Newport district. Nearer to Hartpiece, in the centre of town, is the Moghul Brasserie at 57 Vicarage Street EX32 7BT 01271 329993.
Local Ingredients
Sourcing Local Ingredients: Whether it's fresh-picked vegetables, just-caught fish or humanely-reared meat, you'll find whatever's on your shopping list to be fresh and varied. And you'll be amazed how far your money will stretch. But do keep in mind that you may need to come prepared to pay cash if you wish to purchase food from direct from farmers at market stalls. Foodies head straight for the Pannier Market and Butcher's Row. Friday is the best day to shop the Pannier Market which other food markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays (9-4). Download a brochure or look at the listing of stalls on www.barnstaplepanniermarket.co.uk.
Across the street from the Pannier market, on Butcher's Row, head straight for the following shops, open daily 9 – 3 (closed Sunday): fish (see blog below) everything from lobster to wild sea bass caught by their own trawlers, a dazzling array of fish on ice offered at sensible prices (they also offer smoked haddock from Scotland). You won't see better in Bolougne! 9 Butchers Row, Barnstaple EX31 01271 343097. Zen Butler in a near-by shop supplies delicious game and fowl, pates, quail or duck eggs, local butter and preserves. tel 07768895258. Gratton's Butchers: Well-hung beef fillet cut to your instruction, fresh lamb cutlets, bacon and pork; laver sausages a specialty. Maxwell's Fruits & Veg, next along, is a reliable source of fresh produce, clotted cream and local eggs served with a smile. East West Bakers bustles with cakes and breads of every description. M&S and Somerfield, around the corner, carry milk and cereal.
A bit further afield: Westgate Angus in Muddiford: Steve will butcher and deliver organic joints, burgers, steaks, BBQ selections, bacon or sausages to order. (www.west-gate.co.uk gives prices and other information. To order, ring Steve on 01271 850691. £30 minimum order, payment by cheque in advance or cash on delivery.) Westgate buys Hartpiece's own organic lamb and Aberdeen angus beef (total food miles, pasture to plate: 3 or 4!). Also available in better shops and local restaurants. Plaistow Mills, about a mile from Hartpiece, raises and cold-smokes trout the traditional additive-free way. Their trout is available at better restaurants and shops, or will be prepared fresh to your requirements if you organise in advance. By appointment only, for larger orders (cash or cheque, no credit cards, please!). Dieter Wirtz, 01271 850387, EX31 4EX, www.plaistowsales@aol.com.
On the way into Barnstaple: There is an excellent Majestic Wine on Eastern Avenue, EX32 8PB with a great selection of wine, local ales and port. By pre-arrangement SOR supplies for parties, loans of glasses, ice and chiller bins, or wine-tastings. Tel 01271 379545, 10-8 Mon-Fri, 9-7 Sat, 10-5 Sundays/Bank Holidays. Orchard Farm Shop is a ‘must-stop' on the way into Barnstaple. Located near St John's Garden Centre, to get there we recommend you plug in their post code EX31 4EX. Organic bread and the best pasties in town, along with local milk, eggs, cream, chocolate, cereals, flour, olive oil from the barrel, rice, frozen vegetables, chicken, fish, and organic soaps and grains, fresh vegetables and fruit, and specialties like smoked garlic. Open 9-5 except Sundays, credit cards accepted, larger orders can be prepared in advance. 01271 324294.
Late Night Shopping
Late night shopping: The Co-op, 23 St Georges Road, EX32: open 7am to 10pm 7/7. Pilton Stores late-opening shop (9 to 9, Sundays 9-1) very well-stocked with fine quality staples, fresh-ground coffee, breads and good wine selection a mile from Hartpiece at 24 Pilton St Tel: 01271 372418.
And finally, just down the hill at the Blakewell Farm Shop: Open 9-5 including Sundays, the farm shop at Blakewell is a treasure, with locally-grown produce, meats, smoked trout, and milk and cheese that rivals Neil's Yard. www.blakewell.co.uk/site/farm-shop/ Ring ahead to order deliveries on 01271 344533 and pay by credit card for free delivery for a £20 minimum order.
The above is only a taster of what is on offer in North Devon. There is so much more to discover. Bon appetite!
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